R N Nayak, Managing Director, Power Grid Corporation of India: Ensure that the 400kV line is up in Imphal, Manipur by 31 March 2013

Despite being the capital of Manipur, Imphal barely gets power for 5 hours a day. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Parts of Imphal East get only two hours of power each day - for one hour early in the morning, and for one hour in the afternoon. This makes everyday life difficult for people living in these areas. Businesses get affected and they need to rely heavily on inverters. Not only is this inconvenient, it is not an economic solution either.

The state requires at least 200MW but the supply is 100MW only. Manipur cannot buy power from neighbouring states because the existing 32kV line cannot bear any additional load. The Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) has been working on constructing a 400kV line from Silchar in Assam to Imphal that will help increase the power supply to the state. While this is a welcome development, the deadline has been extended multiple times already. We want Mr R N Nayak to officially commit to the deadline and ensure that it is completed without any further delays.

Those who can afford to buy inverters, are able less affected, and able to carry on with daily routines to an extent. But what of the poor who cannot afford such luxuries? They are being denied what is rightfully theirs.

At Milaap.org, we believe everyone should have access to affordable energy. This Diwali, we ask that you stand with us against bureaucracy and policies that keep the poor in the dark and take action to bring light. Let us urge R N Nayak of PGCIL to speed up the process and ensure the 400kV is completed in time so the people in Manipur have access to power for more than just two hours a day. Sign our petition and make your voice heard!

The poor cannot wait for bureaucrats to act; we need YOU to take action with Milaap this Diwali! Milaap provides individuals like you the opportunity to lend to India’s poor for solar lights, smokeless cook stoves, clean water, and more. This Diwali we are lighting up 1000 homes with microloans given to India’s poor by people like you! Go to our website to learn how you can provide access to clean fuel sources in rural areas and take action this Diwali!

It is your responsibility as the Managing Director of India’s Power Grid Corporation, to provide reliable energy to all of India’s citizens. However, Manipur can only gain access to half the power needed by their citizens. While your department has planned expansions in the area, but you have consistently pushed off the deadline while the people of Manipur continue to struggle in the dark. Please commit to a deadline and start working to bring power to those in need.

As an Indian citizen, I believe all citizens should enjoy access to affordable and reliable energy sources. You have the power to make this a reality. Please be a voice for those in the dark and promise the swift construction of adequate power lines to those living in Manipur with a concrete deadline.

Sincerely,

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